The copy fillers, the feed-the-beast content that makes sure advertisers have a place to put their stuff when nobody is really getting any work done.

Welcome to the middle of the most unproductive week of the year.

That said, here a few lists for the top stories in the city and elsewhere.

The people’s choice for stories on Knoxnews.com – what you clicked on in 2012. What do the readers seem to like most? Homosexualstuff, hoarders and drugs, more drugs and booze (how you ingest it is your business). Nakedpeople and crime stories are big, too. Keep in mind, when you’re clicking on links – at knoxnews.com, anyway – that you’re not going to actually see any naked people. It’s a family website, after all.

Top stories in Knoxville, according to the year in review found in this week’s Metropulse. These are actually stories that have something to do with the city and area itself. It’s a nifty list, really, and a good little compendium for the big things coming out of the city for the year. The whole issue seems to be a top 10 list, really. Check out the cookbook and music list while you’re in there.

KNS has a year-end look at things coming Sunday. Looking ahead on the look back: County shenanigans, court shenanigans, a big spill and a big breach. Pick up an issue, willya? Also – the funnies make for good wrapping paper. Never too soon to think about the 2013 holidays.

On a totally unrelated note, it’s interesting to see what stories people actually choose (by mouse clicks) versus what editors say has impact.